LAKEWOOD, COLO. – May 27, 2020 – Since the CARES Act was passed in March, owner-operators and other small business owners have clamored to find a way to obtain a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan through the SBA. While news headlines purport that securing a loan has been a difficult and arduous process for some, many clients with American Truck Business Services (ATBS) have fared well. In total, ATBS has assisted over 900 owner-operators with loan requests totaling nearly $10 million.
In March, ATBS released an eBook outlining the ways the CARES Act could assist owner-operators. The ebook has been downloaded by over 10,000 truckers. Additionally, Todd Amen, President and CEO of ATBS, has been a guest on the Kevin Rutherford Business and Beyond show multiple times since the CARES Act passed, offering advice to owner-operators in search of a PPP loan. As a result, thousands of drivers have since flocked to ATBS for assistance with the loan.
“I first heard about the PPP loan while listening to Kevin Rutherford’s show on Road Dog Radio,” said Kevin Kocmich, 2019 Owner-Operator of the Year. Kocmich was among the many ATBS clients who successfully obtained a loan.
While ultimately successful, a number of clients faced initial hurdles.
“I didn’t understand where to begin or what route to take,” said ATBS client John Beaurain. His sentiment was shared by many clients, including owner-operator Danny Revis who said he was “not going to even try applying until hearing that ATBS was assisting drivers.” However, both Beaurain and Revis were also successful in getting loans with the help of ATBS.
Some were unable to find a lender that would accept applications, while others didn’t have completed Schedule Cs or other documents. However, many owner-operators were successful in choosing small, local credit unions as opposed to large corporate banks.
ATBS clients primarily agreed on two important factors in obtaining a PPP loan: Utilize the help of a business services provider such as ATBS, and find a local lender that’s familiar with you and your business. Recent estimates indicate there may still be $100 billion available for PPP loans.
About ATBS
American Truck Business Services (ATBS) is the largest tax, consulting, and bookkeeping firm in the transportation industry, with over 20 years of experience working with owner-operators and independent contractors. Since 1998, ATBS has helped over 150,000 clients earn more money, reduce stress, and drive a richer life. In 2016, ATBS developed the RumbleStrip line of service packages, which includes back-office solutions for truck drivers in every stage of their careers. For more information, visit www.ATBS.com.